How to Get a Social Security Number for Your Child
Your child needs an SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗ for a few things. You need it to claim your child on tax returns for the Child Tax Credit. You need it to add your child to health insurance. You also need it to open a savings account. The easiest route is to request it at birth. You do this on the hospital birth registration worksheet. If you missed that, you can start the application online at SSASocial Security Administration — The agency that issues Social Security numbers/cards and pays retirement, disability (SSDI), and SSI benefits.Click for official info ↗.gov. This saves time. Then bring original documents to your local Social Security office.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free
- Total time:
- 1–2 weeks (hospital option) or 7–14 days after office visit
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- ssa.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Option A: Request at birth at the hospital (Easiest route)
When you fill out the birth certificate worksheet at the hospital, check "YES" to request a Social Security number. Give both parents' Social Security numbers if you have them. The state vital statistics office sends the data to SSA on its own. The card arrives by mail in 1–2 weeks. It is completely free. You need no office visit and no separate paperwork.
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- Fill / Prepare 15 min
Option B: Start the application online at SSA.gov
If you missed the hospital option, start the application online. The same applies if your child is older. Use the SSA "Online Social Security Card Application" tool. Answer questions about your child. The system gives you an online reference number and a checklist made for you. You then have 45 calendar days to bring original documents into a local office. This way you skip the paper SS-5 form.
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- Before You Go 30 min
Gather 2 distinct documents for your child + parent ID
SSA rules require two separate documents for the child. First, you need proof of age and citizenship. That is 1) a certified birth certificate. Second, you need proof of identity. That is 2) a medical, clinic/school record, or passport. SSA does NOT accept a birth certificate as proof of identity. Parents must also bring their own government photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID, or passport. All documents must be original. Or they must be certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies are rejected. Notarized copies are also rejected.
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- Fill / Prepare 10 min
Complete Form SS-5 (if not started online)
If you did not start the application online, print and fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) in blue or black ink. A parent or legal guardian signs for a child under 18. Give your child's legal name. Also give the birth date and place of birth. Give both parents' SSNs and full names too.
Click to mark as done
- Go 30–60 min
Visit your local Social Security office (Note: age 12+ rule)
Bring all original documents to your local SSA office. Bring your online reference number too, if you started online. Use the SSA office locator to check hours. Or call 1-800-772-1213 to book an appointment. IMPORTANT: Anyone age 12 or older who applies for an original SSN MUST appear in person for an interview. This applies even if a parent is signing.
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- Wait 7–14 business days
Wait 7–14 business days for delivery by mail
The SSA representative checks your original documents. Then they process the application. They return your documents right away and give you a receipt. The physical Social Security card is printed at a central facility. It is mailed to you. It arrives in 7 to 14 business days. Foreign-born children may take longer. If SSA must verify their immigration status, it may take 2 to 4 weeks.
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- Receive 10 min
Safeguard the physical card and claim tax credits
Check that the child's name is spelled correctly on the card. Keep the physical paper card in a safe or locked box at home. Do NOT carry it in your wallet or child's backpack. Give the SSN to your tax preparer or software by the tax filing deadline. This lets you claim the Child Tax Credit. It is worth up to $2,200 per child for 2025, per USAFacts and Bipartisan Policy Center analysis of the 2025 tax law. The claiming parent must also have a work-eligible SSN. On a joint return, one spouse having one is enough. Add them to medical insurance. And open a 529 college savings account.
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Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Using the birth certificate as the only document. SSA requires two separate documents for the child. The birth certificate proves age and citizenship, but SSA does not accept it as proof of identity. Bring a second document, such as a medical, clinic, or school record, or the child passport.
Bringing photocopies. All documents must be original or certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies are rejected, and notarized copies are also rejected.
Missing the 45-day window. If you start the application online, you get an online reference number and a checklist, but you then have 45 calendar days to bring original documents into a local office.
Skipping the interview for a child 12 or older. Anyone age 12 or older who applies for an original SSN must appear in person for an interview at the SSA office, even if a parent is signing.
Paying a third-party site. Applying for an original Social Security card is 100 percent free. Watch out for commercial websites or services that charge 30 to 100 dollars to file or prepare SSN applications. They are not approved third parties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my child's Social Security number?
If your child was just born, check "YES" on the hospital birth-certificate worksheet. This requests a Social Security number. The card arrives by mail in 1–2 weeks. You need no office visit. If you missed that, start the application online at SSA.gov. Then bring the required original documents to a local Social Security office. The card then takes 7–14 business days to arrive. Applying is free.
What is the fastest way to get my child's Social Security number?
Request it at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate worksheet. The card arrives by mail in 1–2 weeks. You need no office visit. If you missed that, starting the application online at SSA.gov saves time at the office. But you still need an in-person visit with original documents. The card then takes 7–14 business days to arrive.
Why does SSA need another document besides the birth certificate for my child?
SSA policy requires two distinct proofs. One is for age/citizenship. That is the birth certificate. The other is for identity. Under SSA rules, a birth certificate proves a birth occurred. But it does not prove the child's current identity. Good child identity documents include a few options. You can use an official doctor/clinic/hospital medical record. You can use an immunization record certified by a clinic. You can use a daycare/preschool/school record. Or you can use an unexpired U.S. passport.
Does my child need to accompany me to the Social Security office?
If your child is under age 12, they usually do not need to attend. This applies if the parent or legal guardian brings all required original documents. But federal law has a rule for older kids. Any applicant age 12 or older who applies for an original SSN must attend an in-person interview at the SSA office.
My child was born abroad to US citizen parents. How do we get an SSN?
First get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240). Also get a U.S. passport. You get both from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Many embassies let you submit Form SS-5 at the same time as the CRBA. If you apply after you return to the U.S., bring a few documents. Bring the CRBA, the U.S. passport, and your parent ID to a local SSA office.
We adopted a child. What documents do we need for an SSN?
For domestic adoptions, bring the final adoption decree and amended birth certificate. For international adoptions, bring more documents. Bring the foreign adoption decree. Bring the child's foreign passport with an IR-3 or IH-3 visa, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Bring your ID too. If the adoption is finalized abroad (IR-3/IH-3), citizenship is automatic. This is under the Child Citizenship Act.
Can I file taxes and claim the Child Tax Credit before the SSN arrives?
No. To claim the Child Tax Credit, the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ requires a valid SSN. It must be issued on or before the due date of your return. This includes extensions. If tax day is near and the card has not arrived, file Form 4868 for an automatic 6-month extension. Then file your return once you have the SSN.
Is there any fee to apply for a child's Social Security number?
No. Applying for an original Social Security card is 100% free. A replacement is also free. You apply through the Social Security Administration. Watch out for commercial websites or services. They charge $30–$100 to "file" or "prepare" SSN applications. They are not approved third parties.
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